From 'Agneepath' to 'Silsila': The many faces of Amitabh Bachchan

Amidst a sea of films done in a career spanning more than five decades, here are 7 Amitabh Bachchan films that justify his towering stature in Bollywood. (Compiled by Ashwin Somanath)

Deewar (1975)

This film sees Bachchan play one of his most well-known “angry young man” characters, Vijay, who goes down the path of crime in stark contrast to his brother who at one point utters the famous line etched in Bollywood's history: “Mere paas maa hai” (Mother's with me).

Agneepath (1990)

Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, a gangster common to a number of Bachchan's films, decides to walk through a path of fire—the underworld of Mumbai—to avenge his parents.

Silsila (1981)

This musical romantic intrigue featuring Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Jaya, and Rekha did not explode at the box office, but slowly gained cult status years later.

Piku (2015)

Essaying an eccentric Bengali grandfather in this Shoojit Sircar gem, Amitabh Bacchan delivers a flawless performance that is at once endearing and irritating (in the best of ways).

Black (2005)

In this film partly inspired from Hellen Keller's life, Amitabh Bachchan delivers a soul-stirring performance as the strict disciplinarian with a heart of gold, who helps a differently abled girl explore her potential.

Sholay (1975)

Known as one of Bollywood's most successful films, 'Sholay' sees Bachchan as one half of the outlaw duo tasked (by the police) with taking on the notorious dacoit, Gabbar Singh.

Saat Hindustani (1969)

Despite this being his debut performance on the big screen, Bachchan's acting as a freedom fighter still managed to move audiences enough to win the National Film Award for Best Newcomer.